Mercure Inspires Travellers with Culinary Adventures and Masterclasses

Summer in the northern hemisphere is a special time for food and wine aficionados. Orchards are brimming with apples, peaches, plums, and more. Vegetable gardens are abundant with tomatoes, cucumbers, and green beans.

Meanwhile, vineyards witness the first small shoots emerging, signaling the beginning of a new crop. For the food-motivated among us, it is a wonderful time to explore the world and discover its tastiest treasures.

To celebrate the longer days and provide fresh motivation, Mercure's Bucket List offers a bounty of ideas for brushing up on one’s culinary skills or perfecting the art of a special dish to share at the next social gathering.

Mercure's Bucket List is a selection of 50 handpicked food and drink experiences, revealing some of the world’s most authentically cool spots to nosh – each conveniently located within the vicinity of a charming and well-connected Mercure hotel.

The food-centric list is an extension of the brand’s popular ‘Discover Local’ program, which highlights local specialties and reveals unexpected local stories to its guests. With over 950 hotels worldwide, from Jakarta to Oxford, Mercure enjoys a warm and welcoming presence in its communities, with hotel teams delighted to share their insights with travellers about the local life of each neighbourhood.

The following is a sampling of seven food adventures and hands-on cooking workshops featured in Mercure's Bucket List which is available at www.mercurebucketlist.com.

Jolie’s cooking class in Danang City, Vietnam & Traditional Thai cooking class in Rayong, Thailand

“Australian wines are celebrated globally for their exceptional quality and diverse range. From the robust Shiraz to the elegant Chardonnay, each bottle captures the unique terroir and innovative spirit of Australian winemaking”, says Cameron Abbott, General Manager at Mercure Melbourne Doncaster. The hotel recommends guests explore the nearby Yarra Valley, home to some of the country’s best vineyards. The Hubert Cellar doors is a must stop, as is Zonzo, an Italian restaurant where all dishes are prepared with local ingredients. Stay at: Mercure Melbourne Doncaster

“Malaysians enjoy tea for its many health benefits and for boosting immunity, while flower-scented teas, such as orchid and jasmine, are especially effective in freshening the mind and relaxing thoughts,” said Wong Sook Yee, Purple Cane Tea Master. At Purple Cane Tea Art Learning Centre in Kuala Lumpur, guests will learn all about the restorative effects, art, and culture of tea at this guided tour and tea experience, with hands-on brewing lessons and tastings. Stay at: Mercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw Parade

“In Porto, minha casa é sua casa – it is very much part of the culture to share your home, your food, and your heart,” said Patrícia Vieira da Silva, a Portuguese foodie. Patricia has been making pasteis de nata (a traditional custard tart) in her Porto kitchen for many years. Guests of her workshop will learn the secrets to making the best pastel de nata while learning about Portuguese culture and history. Stay at: Mercure Porto Centro Aliados

“Everyone has their favourite Thai noodles dish, and our specialty in Rayong is a recipe that has been handed down through many generations,” said Tanatorn (Toom) Chuanguangthong, local Rayong resident and host of the cooking. At this workshop, guests learn how to make Kanom Jean Bann Yai Rod. Toom leads guests through the market, gathering essentials such as Yellowtail scad, turmeric, and butterfly pea flowers. She then shares traditional Thai cooking methods and the recipe she learned from her mother. Stay at: Mercure Rayong Lomtalay Villas & Resort

“Rome is where many of Italy’s most famous, and deceptively simple pasta dishes, hail from – and it starts with the creation of the most perfect fettucine,” said Marco Ministeri, General Manager of Mercure Roma Piazza Bologna. At the Mattarello Piazza Bologna workshop in Rome, guests arrive at the restaurant’s laboratory in the morning where they start with a master class in fettucine making, followed by a lesson in classic Roman recipes that pair well with the long, broad pasta, such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. Stay at Mercure Roma Piazza Bologna

“Paris is known for its fashion, fine restaurants, beautiful monuments and parks, art and history – and now, finally, for its cheese,” said Franck du Chapelet, General Manager of Mercure Paris Opéra Garnier. Laiterie La Chapelle resides in the 18th arrondissement in Paris – the first Parisian dairy, producing cheese, yogurt, and dessert from the milk of cows who graze just 35km away. In the dairy production room, guests will craft their own tommette cheese, cellar it for three months, then return to savour their creations. Stay at Mercure Paris Opéra Garnier Hotel & Spa

After a full day of adventure and learning, guests can return to a warm, authentic, and locally inspired Mercure hotel for a comfortable and cosy night’s sleep. To start planning your next trip and discover Mercure’s Bucket List experiences, visit Mercure’s Bucket List website.